|
49,990 rounds |
1 stoppages | 1 (*) malfunctions | 1 parts breakages |
That’s right, folks. Just ten rounds to go! Basically, it’s all over but the cryin’ (and the photography set up for the 50,000th round).
This last week with the HK45 has actually been a lot of fun. I spent a full day at the range with some buddies putting 1,000 rounds through the gun in near-freezing weather. The gun hadn’t been cleaned or even lubed in quite a while but ran like a champ… as I’ve come to expect.
Yesterday I shot my last HK45 F.A.S.T. drill:
- 4.62 (clean): 1.58, .56 / 1.89 / .21, .19, .19
I’m satisfied going out on that note.
Yesterday was also my chance to get in the long-awaited accuracy testing of the gun now that it is (essentially) at the end of the test. Ammo used was all match grade ASYM Precision. Results, even through the dirty HK45, were spectacular.
The 230gr FMJ Match averaged 1.95″ 5-shot groups from a sandbag at 25yd. The best group of five, however, was this amazing 1.26″. If you only see four bullet holes, don’t feel bad. I only see four, as well. But there were no other marks on the paper and no bullet holes in the huge cardboard backer. So either the fifth round missed by more than a foot or it’s in there… somewhere.
The 185gr National Match Target JHP, however, was the really amazing one to shoot. Rated at just 775fps, it wouldn’t make Major in USPSA or be suitable for IDPA CDP. But it was literally like shooting a .22… a big, heavy, laserbeam accurate .22 out of an HK45. I was sorely tempted to run another F.A.S.T. drill with it just to see how things would shake out. Groups averaged 1.85″ with the best being this 1.39″:
(thanks to Stan Chen of ASYM Precision for sending the ammo to test … I think we can all agree that next year’s test gun should be a purpose built Stan Chen Customs 1911 shooting nothing but match grade ASYM ammo, right? If you’re reading this, Stan, I’d like it in 9mm please. Night sights. Trigger pull in the 4.5-5# range. And 26.2lpi checkering just to be different. But if you have to use 26.0 that would be good enough, I suppose.)
Next week’s update will include shots of the 50,000th round (have you entered the contest to guess when the last shot will be fired?) as well as a full review of the HK45 and what it’s been like to live with one over the past nine months. Shortly after that, you’ll see the promised result from the Vickers/Hackathorn HK45 interview I conducted a few weeks back. So there is still plenty of HK45 goodness to come!
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG
Previous HK45 Endurance Test posts at pistol-training.com:
The bottom hole in the upper right group looks like it might be a double.
I’d love to see a Stan Chen Custom tested!!!
Very impressive reliability. Todd, what gun are you going to carry for CHL after the test is over? Will you stick with the HK?
I’m back to the HK P30 until next year’s test.
1911’s in 9mm are sweet shooters. I would recommend a 4.25″ version, easier to carry and the reduced slide weight will help it run better.
Todd hk45 awesome reliability and durability..todd in your own honest opinion who has the edge in reliability and durability betweenhk p30 or the hk45? Thanks todd
Well if the 50,000 round has yet to be fired, I’m out. I guess this past weekend would have been the time frame for it.
You gonna clean it before the final test run dude?
what about the people that guessed in the begining that it wouldnt fail and would go the entire test without a failure?
If you get Stan to build you a 1911, put in a good word for me too………I don’t need another 1911, but I don’t “need” 80% of what is in the safe either.
Todd,
I’d really like to see you do this with a 1911 .45. I’m not 1911 proponent anymore (used to drink the Kool-Aide – moved on), just think it would be really interesting to see how a high quality 1911 would hold up. That could be really usefull reading for folks deciding on a platform, especially comparing to your other test guns.
You’re wrists could probably use a rest though!
Would also like to see this for a Gen 3 G19, and M&P45 midsize.
G19 Gen IV is what I want to see next.
SR40
Even though I’m a confirmed M&P fanboy, I think I’d like to see a 50,000-round test of a 1911 as well… a Smith & Wesson 1911 to be exact.
I’d love to see a modern 1911 run hard to destruction. I doubt anyone would sponsor it though.
Todd,
Did you put the o-ring back on for the accuracy test or go without?
Guys — the Stan Chen thing was just a joke because I knew Stan would read it. 8)
I am not doing another .45 any time soon. By “any time soon” I mean “ever.”
Zack — Yes, o-ring was replaced.
G19 4th Generation should be the next test. So many problems have been reported we need to see an independent test if its really as good as you say.
I’ve read over both the HK45 and P30 tests carefully as these are the 2 guns I’m most interested in as a first time purchaser. Of the two, which would you recommend to a advanced novice for putting holes in paper and for home defense? I really like the HK45, but understand it’s a lot more expensive to shoot.
I guess what I’m really wondering, is the HK45 an upgrade to a P30, or basically a P30 that shoots .45?
Thanks all!
Great site. Love all the info to be found here.
I’m not Todd, but my advice would be to buy the pistol that lets you train the most. The HK45 is a superb firearm without question…but most will probably find that the P30 is more practical. It’s easier for most people to conceal and it is cheaper to feed. The magazines for it aren’t as expensive as for the HK45.
The ability to get out and train with the weapon is of critical importance, especially if you are new. Stick to the option that lets you get the most bang for your training dollar.
Jeff — The question I would ask is, “What does the HK45 do for you that the P30 doesn’t?”
All else being equal, my advice echoes TCinVA’s. The P30 is cheaper to feed. Bigger holes won’t do anything for you when punching paper. Given the quality engineering behind modern premium JHP ammunition, most folks would agree that the .45 won’t do much more for you than a 9mm in a self-defense situation, either.
I would not say that the HK45 is an upgrade to the P30. They’re both at the pinnacle of modern handgun design.
ToddG have you shot either the p30l or the p2000?If so are there any differences between them and the p30 in the way they shoot?
Also I’d read you had some warren sights you were testing, is there any news in terms of availability of those?
I have to say, if I was going to get a .45 the HK would be my pick. I’d love to get my hands on a Canadian Legal P30 (do they make a longer slide version?)
Thanks very much guys, that’s the advice I was expecting.
The HK45 tested was it American made or German I have been told there is a difference between the two in Quality ,the German version being better.